A LIFE FOCUSED ON THE PROGRESS AND WELLBEING OF ORANGE
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| ROYAL VISIT: Cr Chris Gryllis & Mrs Mosha Gryllis (centre) meet the then Princess Beatrix during her visit to Orange in 1978. Orange mayor Ron Thomas is pictured at left. (Single-click to see larger image) |
I arrived in Australia and settled in Orange in 1962 to join my two brothers Theo and Michael in their business at 298 Summer Street (Jim’s Café) and, to this day, I remain working in the same block.
We migrated from the Greek island of Patmos. Since then I have lived the whole time as a proud citizen of Orange. In 1973 I married my wife Mosha. Over the half-century since, much of my life has been devoted to the infrastructural, social and cultural development of our Colour City.
In 1974 I left the food industry and launched a career in real estate in partnership with my wife - a business and devoted teamwork that continues today. It has given me the opportunity to play a direct role in the city's phenomenal growth into the business and cultural hub of the central west.
A LIFE OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
In pursuing my goals to assimilate into the Australian way of life I decided to be part of Orange’s community and cultural fabric by being involved with many activities in our city.
I joined Orange Rotary in 1971 and I’m still a dedicated Rotarian, enjoying every opportunity it gives me to serve the community.
In the early 1980’s I joined the Orange Chamber of Commerce, I was immediately elected to the Executive, serving as Vice President and President and served the Chamber for 13 years. During that time I played a large role in establishing the Orange Outstanding Business Awards, which is still a major measure and community recognition of business acumen and success in this city today.
It was an honour to be part of the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal for almost 30 years, which included being the Chairman for many years – ably assisted by a number of prominent citizens to raise funds for this most worthy cause.
In 1987 I was fortunate enough to be endorsed by the citizens of Orange in the City Council elections to become an Alderman. I have served for over 22 years as an Alderman/Councillor since then (with a one term break) and am now in my fifth term of office. It has been a privilege to be involved with the Tidy Towns, Sister Cities, Airport, Finance and a number of other Committees.
A LIFE AHEAD OF CONTINUING SERVICE TO ORANGE
As an Orange City Councillor I have established a series of responsibilities that cover the widest scope of community activities, including the city’s financial health, its relationship with the world at large, its transport and communications infrastructure.
My goals as a Councillor remain those that first brought me to Local Government and civic affairs so many years ago:
- Manage Council finances efficiently.
- Establish a close relationship with neighbouring regional communities and welcome them to Orange.
- Determine long term solutions to the most vital issue, water and water storage.
- Maintain a mutually understanding and rewarding relationship with community groups and businesses.
- Encourage existing and new business growth.
- Promote and nurture the philosophy and practice of cooperation rather than confrontation with business and community groups.
I am very grateful that Orange gave me the opportunity to have been part of a community and to have been involved in the city’s major decision making.
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